Thursday 25 July 2024 at Maclagan

The President of the Maclagan Fellowship and of the Darling Downs Zone welcomed all 53 attendees. Pastor Simon Mackenzie lead us in Devotion and Bible Study. The text chosen was Genesis 1: 24.   From there we were led to the front of the Manse at Goombungee.  Pastor Simon gave us his first impression of Queensland when he arrived in May 2020 – grass as dry as a bone – not like Victoria, his home State.  It was a shock to his system as he stood in his front yard noticing the struggling plants along the fence line that the previous occupant had planted in an attempt to block the evening headlights of passing traffic.

The neighbours had trees where the birds sang. So those struggling plants were nurtured by our God given rain and eventually grew into the hedge.  Birds started to visit and especially the Superb Wren.  Not just one, but up to three males and numerous females. The tendering and caring for those scraggly plants is now a safety for the Wrens and a haven for others. A happy community, and a joy to behold.   We too should stop and be still listen, hear the sound, and see the colour.  These as a Christian we are taught to do, a smile, a small greeting.  A taste of Eden.  This was followed by prayer.  We were then told of the story of Charles A Miles who wrote the Hymn, ‘In the Garden’ based on John 20:15-16  and again reminded that Eden is all around us, just a walk in the garden as God saw in Genesis, that it was good.

The executive of LWQ Darling Downs Zone were inducted by Pastor and prayer followed.  Greetings were received from the LWQ President, and Assistant Bishop David Schmidt.  The Reporter was appointed for the day.

Members were advised that all Guilds/Fellowships had received a copy of the revised Constitution and were urged to check in detail and advise the Executives of any corrections/additions/changes they may wish to see.

The offering for the day ($828) is to be was divided between Quizworx and Rural and Remote Hardship Fund.  This was approved by the gathering after a brief explanation of the work of Quizworx (Sharing Jesus with Primary Aged Children Everywhere).  Pastor Simon blessed the Offering and gave thanks to God for our gifts.

Entertainment was provided by the Children’s Prize winning Eisteddfod Choir of the Quinalow State School who sang ‘A thousand Years’, ‘Naughty” from the musical Matilda and the Hymn ‘The Goodness of God’. We were advised that Del Jensen, a member of the Maclagan Fellowship made all the ties for the Choristers who were dressed in Blue Jeans and Mauve Shirts.  Their singing was applauded by the gathering.

Our Guest Speaker, Sandy Kahler, was introduced and we were soon mesmerised by her skill in Floral Arrangements. Her family grow native Shrubs which are sold and also used in her floral arramgements. and Sandy enthusiastically gave us several hints as she worked her magic in the art of making both large and small arrangements.  Each attendee had a cup with Oasis in it and we were then given the task of preparing our own floral arrangement from the Native blooms that Sandy had provided.  While we were completing our task, Sandy related two stories to us.  The first was about George who met a young boy carrying a rusty old bird cage that had three very frightened wild birds in it.  Asked what he was going to do with the birds, they were not going meet a very nice en. George offered the boy $100 which was gladly taken.  George tended the birds and eventually set them free. We as Christians need to be alert to the needs of those within our communities so those who do not know Jesus can also be set free.  The second story was about the morning after a very bad storm which washed a lot of Starfish on the shore.  There were many people on the beach.  A little girl came along and started picking up the Starfish and tossing them back in the water. One person said to her, “why are you doing that?  You are not going to save many”.  At that the little girl picked up another Starfish and flung it as far as she could and the looked at the person and said ‘ well that one is saved’.  Presently, many others joined in to save the Starfish.  We too need to be aware of those in our communities that we can have the same effect for Jesus.

Sandy was presented with a gift of Vegetables and enthusiastic applause for her contribution on the Day.  We were given a little Tag to tie on our personal floral arrangement with a reminder of the story of the little girl.

We were advised that the floral arrangements made by Sandy were available by Silent Auction.  A total of $250.00 was raised and added to the amount of the Offering previously mentioned.

A vote of thanks was given for the blessed day, heartfelt thanks for the work of the Maclagan Fellowship for hosting the attendees including the floral display.

Pastor Simon closed with a reminder of the beauty we are surrounded with and the Blessing.  The Meal Grace was then said and we joined in the luncheon fellowship.

Shirley Ciesiolka